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14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Is this to be taken literally? That are 144,000 are male virgins? [This interpretation has the problem that "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth" seems to imply a sinless life.] If it's not to be taken literally, what should "were not defiled with women" be taken to mean?

Thanks!

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There are several interpretations of this depending on your doctrinal framework and the hermeneutical principles you use. If you would like to ask about about how specific doctrinal frameworks or Christian traditions deal with that, please feel to ask that specific question. On the other hand this question won't work very well on this site, but it might work on Biblical Hermeneutics, so I am migrating it over there. – Caleb♦ Aug 6 '12 at 13:26

closed as off topic by Caleb♦ Aug 6 '12 at 13:27

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